Best Week Ever continues in South Bend with food, music, cars and fireworks

SOUTH BEND — The city’s Best Week Ever, returning after a year off because of the pandemic, continues for the next several days with events to highlight the community’s culture and creativity. 

Below are some featured events from South Bend’s Department of Venues Parks & Arts, though several other events are included in the week. For a full lineup and, where required, to buy tickets, to go bestweekever2021.com. 

• Tuesday: Special discounts will be offered at several local eateries, drinking establishments and shops. 

• Wednesday: Best Wednesday Ever returns from 4-8 p.m. to the few blocks of Western Avenue between Kaley and Dundee streets with cuisine, live music, kids rides and other activities.   

• Thursday: The South Bend Cubs baseball game against the Peoria Chiefs at 7:05 p.m. at Four Winds Field will feature an opportunity to win a ride in a hot air balloon. Tickets are required to the game. 

• Thursday: The Curious Quest for Chromatic will be a city-wide treasure hunt anytime from 6 to 10 p.m., open to all ages, with a prize for the fastest treasure-hunting team, plus smaller prizes for others. Collect clues and puzzles from characters around South Bend. Competitors will check in at Century Center lobby and work in groups of two or more, though you don’t have to sign up with a specific group to play together. Cost is $10, which includes a complimentary gift.  

• Friday: DTSB’s monthly First Friday in downtown, under the theme “Throwback Friday,” offers the band The 1985, a Studebaker car show and a workout with Retro ROC UR BODY. Fireworks will launch from the Jefferson Street bridge after dusk. 

• Friday: Howl at the Moon will bring musicians for its “Dueling Pianos” show from 6:30-9:30 p.m. to Howard Park’s event lawn. Bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets.  

• Saturday: Enjoy “Brunch on the Bend” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Century Center Island as local eateries serve different breakfast treats, plus live music. Adults pay $25 for 20 food vendor tickets, or $15 for kids getting 10 tickets. Prices rise by $3 on Sunday.